Char, I know you can do it. You made the first big step by joining this site. Just keep coming and studying all the different oportunities they have here and you will get so excited. Boredom is one of the pitfalls in weightloss and it would be hard to get bored here if you just use the site. Having as many offerings as there is on this site will be a big help in keeping you from being bored. Good luck, just stay focused and it WILL happen.
OKIEPAPA 3/9/06 1:17 P
Hey MEME,don't I rate a thanks too? I know us older guys aren't much to look at,but we are loyal.like old dogs and watermellon wine.( Tom T. Hall)
THESILVERLADY 3/7/06 1:06 P
Welcome. Good Luck on your journey towards becoming Fit Over 50.
CHAR_MEME 3/7/06 12:57 P
Kath and Patches~
I just read your messages and they were SO encouraging! I'm so glad my daughter led me to this site. I am NOT alone! Patches, you really hit the nail on the head when you said to take it one day at a time, and not to even shoot for a specific weight loss, just be happy in losing along the way. I am SO happy to be a part of this! God bless you gals! I'm off to my treadmill now. :o)
OKIEPAPA 3/6/06 10:12 P
WELCOME,MEME
PATCHES50 3/6/06 4:11 P
Another Welcome Char-meme from a semi-newbie!
I am also 55 (3 children and 1 grand child). I'm fairly new to this web-site and am still finding my way around. I don't suffer from fibromyalgia but I've had my share of pain from arthritis.
It is very difficult to work through the pain and there are days I really don't want to add to my pain. The only positive thing that I've found is that the more exercise the better I feel. I have pain in my hips and back so my choice for equipment was an exercise bike. I do at least 30 minutes a day and I try to do that 1st thing in the morning so I know "it's over". Everyday that I get off that bike I feel proud of myself and it gives a totally different spin to my day.
I have a long way to go to lose all the weight that I want to, but just knowing that I'm starting the day right leads me to eat better. After all, I don't want to waste the exercise. I'm learning calorie intake.
I've done every diet under the sun. I did low fat decades ago and wound up losing my gall bladder. I've done atkins to the point of exhaustion. I tried it three times, lost weight every time and gained it back quicker each time. I decided that from now on I'm NOT dieting. I AM making better choices with my food. If (for example) I want bread it must be whole wheat and 1 slice instead of 2.
So please hang in there and just take one thing at a time. I know what it feels like to be light and not so light, but don't give up. I don't think you have to shoot for a specific weight (if you don't make it to a certain number you feel like a failure). Just try to find a place where you are comfortable. I don't believe we all have to look like we're still in our 20's, that's not fair to us.
I wish you all the luck in the world. This is a great web site for information and inspiration - use every bit of it.
Patches
KAMEL622 3/6/06 2:18 P
A great big Welcome, Char_meme.
We are in similar circumstances. I'm 56, four grown kids, nine grandkids and was fit until about six years ago. I quit smoking and started eating....and managed to get myself up over 200 pounds for it.
You can do this. Just take it one day at a time, one meal or snack at a time.
I've lost about 13 pounds since I started here in January. I decided it is what I am going to do for me, and I do it. That sounds very simplistic but when I realized I don't have talk myself into getting dressed or brushing my teeth, I just do it...then I started looking at exercise in the same way.....I just do it.
Even if I never lost another pound (God forbid) I would still continue eating the way I'm learning to eat and exercising daily because I feel better.
I'm sure there are some here who can address the fibro issue, as I haven't dealt with that.
Please know that just by logging in you are surrounded by friends who are facing the same issues as you are. We are all in a pretty similar boat and we have each other to help us row it. ....Make it a great day........kath
CHAR_MEME 3/6/06 12:52 P
Hello everyone! My daughter sent me this link. I'm 55 years old, mother of three grown children and I have three grandchildren. I used to stay fit and in shape for most of my life. However, since about 3-4 years ago, I was put on antidepressants and these caused me to gain weight - along with lack of motivation due to depression. I went on my treadmill faithfully everyday for up to 45 minutes; I walked outdoors; I did Tae Bo. My weight was down to a comfortable 120 pounds. Now, I'm 180 and, needless to say, I'm quite devastated with my weight. I really don't like me this way. I find it hard to shop for clothing and having to buy in the 'plus' section, not to mention how some people stare at me and the weight I've put on. They used to be seeing my quite fit. I don't eat huge meals but perhaps it's 'what' I'm eating. I'm also battling with fibromyalgia syndrome and this sort of limits my daily activities as I don't know how much pain I'll be dealing with that day. I'm really quite discouraged with my life right now. A part of me is telling me that I'll never lose weight so just get used to this - another part of me is saying "if I can get down to 130, I'll be happier." I'm also on pain killers to reduce the pain and a lot of stress. So, I definitely do need something to get me motivated again and hopefully never lose the hope of losing! I'm so glad my daughter gave me this link. She's also starting a programme with Spark so, perhaps, with the two of us on this - we just might reach our goals.
Thank you for a 'free' program! I never would have been able to afford one if charged as I'm not employed. Good luck to everyone and I'm looking forward to meeting more my age! :o)
